Mérida Open Akron 2026 Singles Entry List
EDITOR’S NOTE: Paula Badosa has withdrawn from the Mérida Open.
The Mérida Open Akron returns Feb 23 to Mar 1, 2026, and it’s a WTA 500 on outdoor hard courts at the Yucatán Country Club.
Emma Navarro headlines the field, with Liudmila Samsonova, Diana Shnaider, and Paula Badosa also on the list.
Last updated: January 29, 2026. Player lists can change before the draw is released.
Mérida Open Akron 2026 Singles Entry List (Subject to Change)
| Seed* | Player | Country | Ranking / Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emma Navarro | USA | 15 |
| 2 | Liudmila Samsonova | RUS | 18 |
| 3 | Diana Shnaider | RUS | 22 |
| 4 | Paula Badosa | ESP | 26 |
| 5 | Jaqueline Cristian | ROU | 35 |
| 6 | Ann Li | USA | 38 |
| 7 | Jéssica Bouzas | ESP | 40 |
| 8 | Tatjana Maria | GER | 42 |
| – | Daria Kasatkina | AUS | 43 |
| – | Marie Bouzkova | CZE | 44 |
| – | Magda Linette | POL | 50 |
| – | Emiliana Arango | COL | 51 |
| – | Cristina Bucsa | ESP | 52 |
| – | Maria Sakkari | GRE | 53 |
| – | Anastasia Potapova | AUT | 55 |
| – | Elisabetta Cocciaretto | ITA | 56 |
| PR | Beatriz Haddad Maia | BRA | 61 (PR 30) |
| WC | Wildcard 1 | – | TBD |
| WC | Wildcard 2 | – | TBD |
| WC | Wildcard 3 | – | TBD |
| WC | Wildcard 4 | – | TBD |
| SE | Special Exempt | – | TBD |
| Q | Qualifier 1 | – | TBD |
| Q | Qualifier 2 | – | TBD |
| Q | Qualifier 3 | – | TBD |
| Q | Qualifier 4 | – | TBD |
| Q | Qualifier 5 | – | TBD |
| Q | Qualifier 6 | – | TBD |
*Projected seeds based on the current ranking order shown above. Official seeding is set closer to the draw.
Quick betting context
- This is a 28-player draw on outdoor hard courts, not an indoor event. That usually means high rally tolerance is a factor.
- With a top seed ranked outside the top 10, the middle of the field can feel very “live.” Expect fewer walkovers and crazy matches as players chase points and a higher payday.
- Watch for the draw position. In a 28-draw, a bye can be a real edge, but it can also mean a slow start if a player needs rhythm.
Phil Naessens has spent decades in sports as a broadcaster, author, journalist, professional tennis coach, and betting analyst. As the founder and editor of Crush & Rush News and host of the Crush & Rush Tennis Podcast, he combines firsthand coaching experience with years of sports media and publishing to deliver thoughtful tennis analysis, tournament coverage, player features, and transparent betting insights built around value, and not hype.
